Reporter - Stoke-on-TrentLive & CheshireLive (Maternity Cover)

Ready to set the agenda in Stoke and Cheshire? We are looking for a Reporter to join our dynamic Stoke-on-Trent & CheshireLive news team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled journalist who is passionate about local news and is hungry to find and report on the issues which matter most to our readers. We’re looking for fresh ideas and new perspectives from people from a wide range of backgrounds, and we want you to tell us the stories you believe are important from our many communities so we can continue to diversify our content.

This is a home based role, however due to the nature of the position, we are ideally looking for candidates based in or around Stoke-on-Trent. This is a maternity cover fixed term contract role, initially for 12 months, starting early May 2026.

As a modern media organisation, we’re much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do. We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore. We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.

What will the role involve?

• You will work as part of our news team to produce engaging, digital content.
• You will have the opportunity to provide live coverage of breaking news and deliver exclusive off‑diary stories written in a way that ensures as many people as possible see and respond to our work.
• You will build strong contacts within the industry for story gathering, sourcing and conducting interviews.
• You will take pictures and film footage whilst you are out on patch reporting, always thinking of how to scoop the next exclusive.
• This role will involve working some weekends, early mornings and evenings on a shift‑based rota, so a flexible approach is required.

Who are we looking for?

• You are a passionate journalist with an NCTJ/NQJ or equivalent journalism qualification, with up‑to‑date knowledge of UK media law, and ideally 100 wpm shorthand.
• You are a first‑class writer with proven experience working in a similar regional or digital news room environment.
• You have excellent storytelling techniques and a keen eye for what makes a great story.
• You can create engaging content at pace and hit deadlines with ease.
• You have expert knowledge of your patch and know how to tell stories that will relate directly to our ever‑growing and diverse audience.
• You have superb social media skills and an understanding of how to utilise various social platforms to make content engaging.
• Having a clean driving licence is highly desirable, allowing you to be first on the scene to cover breaking stories.

How we'll look after you

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you’ve been with us for three, five and ten years.
• An extra day’s paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
• Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you – like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!).
• Help saving for your retirement - we’ll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
• Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression.
• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor’s appointments.
• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
• Interest‑free loans - including for season tickets and technology.

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.